8 Signs It's Time to Replace Your HVAC System

A full HVAC system replacement usually costs between $5000 and $10000. Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that people tend to avoid it as much as possible. Unfortunately, at a certain point, you will have to replace your HVAC. Not doing so is both costs ineffective and can be quite unhealthy. So, let's outline 8 clear signs that it's time to replace your HVAC system.

Clear signs that it is time to replace your HVAC System

Although it might not seem so, there is a time when your HVAC system replacement can be premature. After all, your HVAC has a clear task to perform in your home. And seeing how expensive it is, you should only replace it once it becomes inefficient in its job. Fortunately, there are clear tell-tale signs of when you need to inspect your system and when replacing it is the only option. And if you keep an eye out for them, you can do so in a timely manner.

It is over 10 years old

The Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC system every 10-15 years. Multiple factors outline this number, but they all boil down to the fact that after 10 years, the average HVAC system will become inefficient. Most systems were made to last 10-15 years max. Remember that new HVAC systems are far more energy-efficient than old ones. And 10-15 years is more than enough for your system to become comparatively inefficient. So, consider changing your HVAC system after 10 years, even if you feel it is working fine.

You've moved into an older home

Unless you are perfectly sure that the HVAC in a home is brand new, you'd be smart to replace it. Know that a homeowner is unlikely to replace their HVAC unless there is something seriously wrong with it. And all of them will tell you that they've responsibly maintained their HVAC, even though the truth can be far from it. Therefore, if you wish to be on the safe side, at least consider replacing your HVAC once you've bought a new home in California. Once you get help from a trusted team and move in, try to see if there are any notable issues. If there are, don't waste time and call a professional to inspect your HVAC with you.

Repair costs keep increasing

Just like replacements, HVAC system repairs are by no means cheap. These usually range between $100 to $200. But, if you feel that your system needed repairs more often in the recent period or that it requires a more expensive repair, you might want to replace it. A good rule of thumb is that if you need to spend half of the replacement cost for repairs, you are better off replacing.

The energy bill keeps increasing

The great thing about your energy bill is that it will give you a clear idea of how efficient your HVAC system is. If you tend to keep your former bills, you can even monitor whether there are any notable changes in the energy efficiency of your system. After a while, it is bound to become energy inefficient. And the more closely you can follow the increase in your energy bill, the better you'll know when to replace your system. Know that a brand new HVAC can cut down your energy bill by as much as 20%. So, when you do your calculations, try to figure in all the money you'll save by using an energy-efficient HVAC.

Temperature fluctuations in your home

The point of an HVAC is to keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, while this may seem simple, it is a product of a complex system at work. Every aspect of your HVAC needs to work correctly if it is going to maintain a specific temperature efficiently. And even one flaw can cause significant problems.
Now, it is essential to note that your HVAC might not be suited for your home. If you've just installed a new one, and it struggles with maintaining a specific temperature, you may have opted for one that needs to be more powerful. But, if you know that your HVAC can maintain a constant temperature in your home and is failing to do so now, you may need to replace it. You should, of course, first figure out what the problem is. It can be the case that a simple fix can bring your HVAC up to speed. But know that temperature fluctuations indicate that it is time to replace your HVAC system.

Peculiar sound or smell

A well-functioning HVAC shouldn't make any sounds and especially no smells. Therefore, it should be a cause for concern if you find some. Mold in the HVAC can be the cause of the foul smell, as well as dust burning off. In both cases, you want to turn off your HVAC and fix the root issue. Similarly, new sounds can be an indication of a severe problem. The solution is the same, turn it off, and don't turn it back on until you know what it is. It can be a minor issue that will require minimum investment on your part. But, if you keep your HVAC on, that little issue can quickly become much more severe. Sometimes, the HVAC is simply old and will need to be replaced.

Poor air quality

Another task of your HVAC system is to keep the air quality of your home at a decent level. Regardless of what the situation is outside, your HVAC should filter out any moisture, dust, and smells. If it is not doing so, you may need to invest in a new HVAC. Further signs that it is time to replace your HVAC system include mold around your home, mildew, dust, or increased humidity.

Final takeaway

Any of the signs that we've mentioned can indicate that it is time to replace your HVAC system. If you notice two or more, you can be pretty much sure of it. So, when the time comes, don't hesitate much and call professionals to install a new HVAC system for you.